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QC exec inks pact for women's welfare

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr.

March 8, 2019, 3:35 pm

MANILA -- Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte signed on Friday a covenant pledging to uphold women's rights and welfare in time for Women's Month.

Maaasahan po ninyo ako na ako ang unang titindig para sa mga programang kailangan ng kababaihan sa ating lungsod (You can rely on me that I will be the first to stand for the programs needed by women in our city),” Belmonte said during the Quezon City Women Convention.

The vice mayor vowed to implement the programs listed on the Quezon City Community Women Leaders Federation’s 10-point agenda which includes district hospitals with specialty clinic for women illnesses and mental health; district colleges or technical vocational center with state-of-the-art facilities; and a livelihood training and showcase center for the women entrepreneurs.

Belmonte also pledged to create shelters and homes for abandoned senior citizens; special discount and privileges for solo parents and persons with disabilities; a health and wellness center; free maintenance medicines; scholarship and financial grants; child-minding centers; a 24-hour emergency hotline; and a holistic anti-drug education campaign.

She gave assurances to the members of the federation that the 10-point agenda signed are already in her platforms of governance while some are already included in the ordinances passed by the Quezon City Council.

“To all may fellow women, keep the faith and keep up the good work. Let’s maintain our being champion and spread even more our advocacy to our neighbors for as long as there are women being abused, women not provided with service, and their problems are not addressed. It’s all our right so let’s fight for it,” Belmonte said in her message to all the Filipino women struggling for their rights.

The Quezon City local government has lined up programs for the women’s month celebration, including a month-long free breast and cervical cancer screening and a dance competition for women with the theme: “We Can Make Change for Women.” (PNA)

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